Small-Town Festivals Worth the Drive — Only at Cedar Creek Lake
The Festivals Locals Love—And Visitors Wish They Knew About
Looking for a weekend plan that doesn’t involve traffic, overpriced parking, or shoulder-to-shoulder crowds? Come see why the festivals around Cedar Creek Lake are some of the best-kept secrets in East Texas. Just an hour or two from Dallas, Fort Worth, Tyler, or Corsicana, these small-town celebrations offer something you won’t find on TripAdvisor: local flavor, laid-back lake life, and the kind of connection that reminds you why you love Texas in the first place.
Can’t-Miss Festivals Around the Lake, 2025
Plan your perfect lake day around live music, parades, street tacos, and stories you’ll want to tell twice. From historic music traditions to gourmet slices and lakefront home tours, these signature events show off the best of Cedar Creek Lake’s charm.
🍻 Cedar Creek Brewery 12th Anniversary Bash
📍June 22 | Seven Points
Celebrate 12 years of local brews with an all-day party including local vendors and live music. Family-friendly and full of lake-town energy, this festival is always a local favorite.
🍉 Canton’s 4th of July: Parades, Fireworks, and Old-Fashioned Fun
Beat the Texas heat and catch the morning parade as Canton rolls out a full day of small-town charm, patriotic pride, and family fun. Bring your bike for the decorating contest, cheer on the fastest watermelon eaters, and line the streets for a hometown parade packed with floats, firetrucks, and local spirit.
🌟 Don't Miss:
A colorful Bicycle Decorating Contest – prizes for creativity!
Old-fashioned Watermelon Eating Contest – fast, fun, and messy!
Classic 4th of July Parade – floats, flags, and community pride.
Grand Finale Fireworks Show – lighting up the sky over First Monday Grounds.
Every dollar raised supports the Canton Main Street Program, helping preserve the historic heart of Canton for future generations. Celebrate freedom and community at one of East Texas’s most beloved July 4th traditions.
♠️ Cedar Creek Lake Poker Run
📍 July 19 | Multiple Stops on the Lake
This is the biggest #LakeLife event of 2025—and one of the most impactful fundraisers in the region. The Cedar Creek Lake Poker Run brings together hundreds of boats, generous hearts, and the best-loved waterfront spots for a full day of giving, good times, and lake-wide connection.
With the area’s best charity auction, creative themed boats, and friendly faces at every dock, it’s more than just a party—it’s a tradition built by the community, for the community. Whether you're floating, spectating, or bidding for a cause, you’ll leave with new friends and a deeper love for Cedar Creek.
🎸 Save the Date for JulyFest at Gun Barrel City Park!
📍July 26, | Gun Barrel City
Mark your calendars for July 26th and get ready for an epic day of live music, good food, and family fun at Gun Barrel City's biggest summer celebration! JulyFest brings the community together with an outdoor concert, local vendors, festival eats, and all the red, white, and blue vibes you could ask for.
More event details coming soon—stay tuned!
🌽 28th Annual Cornbread Festival
📍 September 27 | Downtown Malakoff
A true fall favorite. Malakoff’s Cornbread Festival fills the streets with food vendors, live music, contests, and classic small-town energy.
Don’t miss the Cornbread Cook-Off, corn-on-the-cob eating contest, car show, and all-day music from the main stage.
🎃🌻Fall Fun Awaits at Yesterland Farm
📍 Canton
Get ready for pumpkins, sunflowers, fireworks, and a full lineup of fall attractions at Yesterland Farm in Canton! Their beloved Fall Festival features a giant pumpkin patch, You-Pick sunflower and zinnia fields, amazement rides, pig races, and a sprawling corn maze—with a spooky twist after dark. On Friday and Saturday nights, stay for Spooktacular Nights and a dazzling fireworks show under the stars.
It’s the perfect mix of classic fall fun and family-friendly thrills!
🎤 Black-Eyed Pea Jamboree + Uncle Fletcher Hamburger Cook-Off
📍 October 18 | Athens Courthouse Square
Celebrate Athens’ claim to fame as the Black-Eyed Pea Capital of the World—and the birthplace of the hamburger!
This community-wide celebration features:
🍔 Hamburger Cook-Off
🌱 Black-Eyed Pea Recipe Contests
🧃 Horchata Cook-Off + Pop-Up History Museum
🚜 Antique tractor show
🧒 Kids Zone + Turtle Races + Mooing Contest
🎶 Live entertainment all day
🛍️ Vendor booths + Southern comfort food everywhere
This is one of Athens’ most anticipated annual events—quirky, community-driven, and full of flavor. Whether you're racing, tasting, or just soaking up the live music and stories, this is what East Texas festivals are all about.
🎄✨Christmas Magic at Yesterland Farm
📍 Canton
Celebrate the season at Yesterland Farm’s Christmas Carnival, where holiday magic comes to life day and night! Play in real snow at the Snow Play Area, glide down the Snow Tubing Hill, and visit Animal Town for some furry fun.
As night falls, the Christmas Light Experience transforms the farm with wagon rides, a twinkling train ride, and festive photo ops. Don’t miss a visit with Santa or the chance to pick out a fresh Christmas tree to take home!
Local Tips You Won’t Find on TripAdvisor
Want to enjoy these festivals like a local? These tips come from years of showing up early, talking to vendors, and knowing where the shade hits just right.
Bring cash. Many vendors are locals and accept cash—it’s quicker and often appreciated.
Come hungry. From fried pies and brisket tacos to peach cobbler and craft horchata, you’ll find flavors that don’t make it to food blogs.
Don’t skip the side streets. Some of the best booths and friendliest vendors are just off the main path.
Talk to the people behind the tables. You’ll get stories, recipes, local recs—and probably a bag full of unexpected goodies.
Bring your dog. Many of these festivals are pet-friendly, and your pup will love the energy (and the attention).
🐾 Check out our Dog Lover’s Guide to Cedar Creek Lake ›
Make It a Full Lake Day
Don’t just come for the festival—make it a full experience.
🌅 Start with a paddle. Launch spots ›
🍳 Grab brunch or lunch. 🔗 Fig’s Backyard or The Whistlestop are local favorites
🛍️ Stroll a market. 🔗 Mabank Farmers Market is a great pre-event warmup
🍷 Unwind with music or a drink. 🔗 Cedar Creek Brewery or Triple N Ranch Winery
Bookmark It, Share It, Make It Yours
These events aren’t about crowds or clout—they’re about connection. A day well spent. A new memory made. And Cedar Creek Lake has plenty of both. Whether you're bringing the kids, your partner, or your fur-baby, you'll leave feeling like part of the community.
